Page 34 of How May I Please You

“Proof that he was there,” Summers answers. “Turns out, the kid was telling the truth. Shell has video of Chad and his girlfriend pulling in to fill up her Jeep at about three-thirty in the morning, which is about ninety seconds before the call came in about the fire at the diner. I checked the route, and there’s no way they got from Andrea’s to the Shell station in ninety seconds. Unless the kid has the ability to be in two places at once, there’s no way he set that diner on fire.”

I don't know how to respond. My jaw flexes and I bite my lip as my mind goes berserk to think of something to say, but nothing comes. While I'm still working out answers in my head, Summers starts again, his newfound confidence beaming from his eyes like starlight.

“You want to know something else?” he asks without waiting for a response. “I also talked to the manager of the diner, Robert Clark.”

What the fuck?

“I didn't like how there was so much back and forth about whether or not Chad was fired from his job or if he quit. I figured I’d get the information from the man himself. Turns out, Chad was not fired. According to the manager, he quit … right in front of you and Evan. He claims he even mentioned to you that he was upset about losing Chad. Isn’t that strange? Did you just forget that part of the conversation? Or did you leave it out on purpose?”

Evan, I need you here. There is something going on with Summers that I don't like, and he is starting to look a lot like someone in need of an “accident.”

“Why would I leave it out on purpose, Summers?” I ask, still maintaining my calm on the outside while in a frenzy internally. “Are you actually trying to accuse me of something? Because strangely enough, that’s what it sounds like.”

“Of course not,” he replies quickly. “It’s not a big deal to get that information twisted. You were there when the drama went down. You saw the kid storm out and you drew a conclusion. It doesn't change what happened for the most part. The diner was burned down and you used the information you had to form a lead about a possible suspect. If anything, I’d say it was a good hunch to act on. No need to get defensive, Detective.”

I lean back in my chair with squinted eyes that stare a hole into Summers’ face, unsure of what else I'm supposed to do. I want to call you, Sir. I want your guidance, but you don't know that I burned down the diner so I can’t lean on you for help. I got myself into this strange situation with Summers, and I'm going to have to figure my way out.

“Journey,” Summers continues. “It’s no big deal. We just need to do our jobs and investigate. We’ll get to the bottom of who really burned down Andrea’s, and when we do, we'll put them where they belong. Don’t look so upset about taking one guy off the suspect list. It happens.”

The furrow in my brow is deep enough for cars to fall into.

“Umm,” I say, shaking my head. “Yeah, that’s fine, I guess. I was just hoping we could prove it was Chad and close the case quickly. A little investigative work never bothered me. But why did you go without me?”

Summers shrugs nonchalantly. “Was feeling restless after work so I decided to make a couple of stops before heading home. I knew you were spending time with Evan and I didn't want to bother you. No biggie.”

“Right,” I say, but absolutely nothing feels right about it.

“Speaking of Evan, can I ask you something?”

Why the fuck would he want to ask me something about you?

“Sure.”

“How did Winter react when he found out you were dating a suspect?”

My eyes widen as I lean forward, my world spinning as shock hits me right in the chest. My vision blurs everything around Summers, making him the only thing I can see clearly. Ringing starts in my ears and gets louder … louder … louder, until I can’t hear anything at all. I have to shake my head, trying to steady myself, forcing my lungs to keep breathing and reducing the pressure building in my body, making me feel like I’m about to explode.

“What the fuck did you just say?” I snap, my normal detective facade slipping away as the ringing in my ears finally starts to fade away.

“Evan Godric. He was a suspect in a missing persons case, right? Sierra Cross?”

Summers sits back in his seat with an emotionless face, his eyes watching me closely. Now, there is no hint of a smile.

“What the fuck?” I snip, scowling at him, ready to risk it all right here in the precinct. “Why are you asking me that as if I wouldn't get offended? The Sierra Cross case is closed.”

Summers raises an eyebrow. “Well, it went cold … and my god you are wound tight this morning. I wasn’t accusing your boyfriend of being guilty of anything. I just heard that you met him during the investigation that eventually fell apart, and I was curious if Winter had anything to say about it. It’s not every day that a detective falls for a guy that used to be a suspect in a disappearance she was investigating.”

“Evan and I didn't start dating until after the investigation … after Sam killed himself. So he never knew we were dating, alright. I’m getting pretty fucking tired of you asking me questions about Winter. If you have something you want to say to me, Summers, just fucking say it and stop bringing up shit every other day. He killed himself, alright? He chose to end his life over a multitude of reasons, not just the Sierra Cross case, which is practically fucking closed. You're my partner now, but I swear I will go to Saunders and request for a new one if you keep this shit up. Sam was my friend, and I don't like you constantly mentioning him and making me relive his death. Now you're bringing my boyfriend into it. So what is it, Summers? What’s your fucking problem?”

Shit. I didn't mean to lose it, but I couldn't help it. He’s asking about you now, Evan. He’s investigating without me and constantly bringing up Winter. What was I supposed to do? How am I supposed to react when every cell in my body wants to take him out back and put two in his fucking chest? One way or another, I’m going to have to put a stop to this, and I hope it isn’t another secret I have to keep from you.

“Wow,” Summers says with raised eyebrows. His face softens and takes on an apologetic expression. “I’m really sorry. I had no idea asking that question would set you off like that. I was just curious, Journey, that’s all. I know you love Evan and you two are happy and living together. It was insensitive of me to ask that. I truly apologize for being offensive. You're right. I’m letting my weird, morbid curiosity get the best of me. I need to stop and I will. I won’t mention Winter again. I’m sorry.”

I glare at my partner as thoughts of placing a hand over his mouth and slashing his throat come to mind, playing out in gruesome detail. I can practically feel the blood spraying against my face as I sit back and focus on unclenching my jaw.

“I crossed the line,” Summers says, rising from his seat. “I can tell I’ve pissed you off. I’m sorry, Journey. I know we’ve got work to do on this diner case, but I’m going to take a few minutes to grab some food so you can have some space. I’ll understand if you request another partner or if you just need the day away from me. Take all the time you need. Again, I apologize.”

Without waiting for a response, Summers walks away, still shaking his head as he leaves as if kicking himself for going too far. I watch him go, wishing I could shoot fucking lasers from my eyes so I can drop him midstride.

---